Field Description

Psychology courses familiarize students with the scientific study of mind and behavior. This discipline relies on methods ranging from simple observation to rigorous experimentation. Its subjects include how we develop and learn, how our actions are motivated, how we perceive the world around us, how we respond to it intellectually and emotionally, and how these processes change throughout life and are integrated into the personality under social influences. The department offers courses that apply psychology to a variety of practical settings, including the workplace, clinical, legal, and school environments.

The Majors

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and the mind. According to the American Psychological Association, "Psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Some psychologists do basic research, developing theories and testing them through careful honed research methods involving observation, experimentation and analysis. Other psychologists apply the discipline's scientific knowledge to help people, organizations and communities function better."

Baruch faculty have particular strengths in industrial-organizational, clinical, social, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psychology. The psychology major is the most popular course of study among undergraduate students nationwide. Many psychology majors ultimately establish careers outside the field of psychology, but will do so in areas that rely upon an understanding of human thought and behavior. Psychology is an appropriate major for those who plan to work, for example, in business, law, the health care professions, education, public affairs, nonprofit agencies, and computer science.

To prepare for a career in psychology or an allied profession, such as social work or counseling, students must earn a master's or doctoral degree. Graduate programs in psychology are selective and take into consideration a student's academic record, letters of recommendation, field and research experience, and, in most cases, GRE scores. A number of American Psychological Association publications, including the APA Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology, are useful when making academic and career plans.

Baruch offers a 25-credit BA major in Psychology. This includes one required course in research methods, 12 credits of foundation courses, and 9 credits of electives.

You are required to meet with a faculty advisor in psychology to declare a major. The faculty advisor will discuss with you the foundations and elective courses that best meet your career goals. Students who wish to develop their research skills should consider pursuing an independent study or honors thesis project. It is also recommended that students take courses in other departments that focus on the scientific method, logic, communication skills, and the understanding of cultural and social systems.

Prerequisite Courses 6 credits

PSY 1001

General Psychology

3 credits

*

Statistics for Social Science

3 credits

Students who took STA 2000 to fulfill BBA core requirements and who change their degree objective to the BA will be given permission to use STA 2000 in lieu of STA 2100. Psychology majors may not take STA 2100 on a pass/fail basis.

* Students may not take both PSY 3059 and PSY 3060 to fulfill the core requirement.

Elective Courses (3000-level or above): 6 credits

Two courses of students' choosing. They may include courses that constitute part of the required core in psychology, if not otherwise used to fulfill core curriculum requirements, as well as any other elective courses offered by the department.

Elective Course (4000-level or above): 3 credits

One course of students' choosing. It must be at the 4000-level or above, and it must be completed at Baruch College. PSY 4035 and PSY 5030-5032 do not fulfill this requirement, but can be used as 3000-level or above elective courses.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The major in industrial/organizational psychology is a broadbased one. It offers courses in all areas of psychology while emphasizing the field of industrial/organizational psychology. This major is within the Zicklin School of Business. All BBA requirements apply.

For many students, the BBA in industrial/organizational psychology is a terminal degree. They may pursue careers in business, including sales, advertising, marketing, and human resource management. They may also pursue careers in a variety of governmental agencies or engage in public opinion or market research.

Some career objectives may require or recommend that the student pursue a master's (MBA or MS) or PhD degree in industrial/organizational psychology.

The Minor

The minor comprises three courses in Psychology, at least one of which must be a foundation course in psychology and at least one of which must be a capstone course at the 4000 level or above. The capstone course should be one of the department’s communications-intensive options and must be taken at Baruch College. The selection of a suitable capstone should take the student’s background in the discipline and academic interests into account and should be determined in consultation with the Department of Psychology.